Father James Erving Food Pantry inaugurated at Our Lady of Refuge Church

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Maverick Countians were blessed to have worshipped, lived, enjoyed, and prayed with Father James (Jim) Erving, O.M.I., known as “Father Diego,” for several years at Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Eagle Pass, Texas, before his untimely demise at the young age of 43 years succumbing to brain cancer. Priests, parishioners, family, and friends honored and remembered the ministry, love, and friendship of Father James (Jim) Erving on Sunday, September 28, 2014, with a special mass and the official inauguration and blessing of the Father James Erving Food Pantry, founded by Father Diego himself, at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church.

Father Jim Fee, O.M.I., presided over the mass in honor of Father Diego with a full Church and Father James (Jim) Erving’s family in attendance including his father, Joseph Erving, his sister Liz and her husband, Ruben Gonzalez, and their three lovely children-Anabel, Joseph, and Patrick. Assisting Father Jim Fee were Deacons Juan Martinez, Keith Ayers, and Mike Castillo. Readers were Knights of Columbus members, David Even and Jose A. Aranda, Jr.

After the mass, a brief celebration detailing the dedicated and loving ministry of Father James (Jim) Erving was held. Saul Fernandez detailed Father James ministry and ministerial assignments. Deacon Juan Martinez shared the blessings Father James brought to all the persons whom he ministered to and his extraordinary devotion to God. His sister, Liz Gonzalez, described Father James dedication and love for his ministry and commitment to saving souls in God’s name and helping the poor and youth of this world. Father Jim Fee, O.M.I., shared his meeting and friendship with Father James as Oblate priests and Father James’ passion for ministering to the poor, homeless, and youth, causing him to found the Food Pantry at Our Lady of Refuge Parish.

Following the celebration of Father James’ life and contributions to the Church and people, the Knights of Columbus Fourth and Third Degree Knights led the parishioners, family, and friends in a solemn procession to the Food Pantry for the blessing of the newly dedicated Food Pantry in honor of Father James (Jim) Erving, O.M.I., as well as the unveiling of the newly made plaque of the Father James (Jim) Erving’s Food Pantry.

Father James (Jim) Erving, O.M.I., was ordained an Oblate priest in 2000 at the age of 29 years old. He was deeply committed to his ministry and faith in God. His passion was to assist and minister to all people, particularly the poor, homeless, and youth.

Maverick Countians were truly blessed that Father James’ last years of ministry and life were spent saving souls in our community and sharing the Lord’s love and mercy with all the people he met and touched. He will truly be remembered by all who met him and will continue the Lord’s ministry through the Food Pantry dedicated in his memory at Our Lady of Refuge Parish.